Anthony Hamilton defends heavyweight belt vs. ‘TUF’ vet Darrill Schoonover at MFC 39

Maximum Fighting Championship’s first card of 2014 has its second title fight.

“MFC 39: No Remorse”will feature heavyweight champion Anthony Hamilton (11-2) defending his belt for the first time in the main event against “Ultimate Fighter” veteran Darrill Schoonover (13-5).

MFC officials recently announced the new booking, as well as the rest of the main card. In the co-main event, Tom Gallicchio (17-8) will meet Kurt Southern (13-4) for the vacant lightweight title. MFC 39 takes place Jan. 17 at Northlands Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The main card will air on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET.

Hamilton knocked out Smealinho Rama 12 seconds into the second round at MFC 38 in October to win the promotion’s heavyweight belt. That ran the Jackson-Winkeljohn product’s winning streak to five fights, all by stoppage.

Schoonover started his career 10-0 before getting a shot on the all-heavyweight Season 10 edition of “The Ultimate Fighter.” In his lone official UFC fight, he was stopped by a James McSweeney TKO in the third round at the TUF 10 Finale. That loss set in motion what would be five straight setbacks. But the Texan has since rebounded to win three straight.

“Anthony Hamilton had unquestionably one of the knockouts of the year anywhere in world and proved he was the right man to take the title,” said MFC President Mark Pavelich stated. “He has all the tools to be an absolutely dominant fighter, but he’s got to get though a very eager and dangerous Darrill Schoonover to do it. Darrill has improved his game plan over the past year and most importantly solidified his conditioning – all of which makes him a huge threat to Hamilton’s title.”

In addition to the two title fights, MFC 39 also will include a light heavyweight bout between Sean O’Connell (14-4) and Victor Valimaki (17-8); a previously announced welterweight fight between Gilbert Smith (7-2) and Jason South (10-1); Ryan Chiappe (10-8) vs. Chase Degenhardt (8-3) at middleweight; and Derek Boyle (10-6) vs. Aaron Gallant (6-5) at lightweight. Preliminary-card fights, which will stream on MFC’s Facebook page, will be announced soon.

The main card for MFC 39 now includes:

• Anthony Hamilton vs. Darrill Schoonover – for heavyweight title
• Tom Gallicchio vs. Kurt Southern – for vacant lightweight title
• Sean O’Connell vs. Victor Valimaki
• Gilbert Smith vs. Jason South
• Ryan Chiappe vs. Chase Degenhardt
• Derek Boyle vs. Aaron Gallant

For the latest on MFC 39, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Anthony Hamilton)